Security Analyst Degree Programs (found programs from 165 schools)

Data breaches have been a hot topic in the news in recent years, with many large retailers and other consumer-based companies losing customer data during breaches. This is why the role of a security analyst is so important. Security analysts maintain secure data networks, examine networks for weaknesses, and figure out how to improve the security of data storage. This job is expected to become even more important as hackers become more aggressive and sophisticated in their maneuvers. Use our search tools to find the criminal just programs online, or near you, that can help you decide which career path is right for you!

Security analysts may work in many different industries and settings, making this a fairly versatile job in the criminal justice industry. Security companies, retailers, and computing companies all hire security analysts to maximize the security of their networks and their data. As technology in this field changes and develops, you may be expected to keep up with new developments and integrate them into your company's security practices.

As you may expect, you need to meet certain requirements to work as a security analyst. If you're considering a career in this field, you may want to look into the educational and experience requirements for this job. If you're looking for a criminal justice career that allows you to use computing technology to protect against hackers and other security threats, a job in security analysis may be ideal for you!

Education Requirements for Becoming a Security Analyst

The field of security analysis is multifaceted and always changing, which is why it has such strong educational requirements for its professionals. If you're working on your first degree, you may wish to earn a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, computer programming, or computer engineering. While you do need to be educated in various aspects of criminal justice, a computer-based degree may give you the experience you need in various aspects of computer security. If you decide to pursue a degree in criminal justice, you may complete a curriculum that explores various aspects of the field.You may take courses like Juvenile Justice, Cybercrime Law, Constitutional Law, Corrections, and Criminology. These courses may help you understand the laws surrounding cyber crime, give you experience in the criminal justice system, and show you why it's so crucial to protect a company's networks.

In a computer programming degree, you may take in-depth courses on networking, security, and hacking. Developing these skills before you start your career may help you get up-to-date on the latest developments in computer security. Typically, security analysts must also have extensive on-the-job training. This is due to the fact that security procedures and network needs vary quite a bit from company to company, so you must be completely comfortable with a company's security setup before you can manage it.

Due to the nature of the job, which requires you to protect sensitive information, you may need to go through a thorough background check and criminal history check. If you have any criminal history, particularly in the areas of cyber crime or data breaches, you may be disqualified from a security job.
Throughout the duration of your career, you may have to attend continuing education events to keep up with the rapidly changing standards of the computer security industry. In many cases, your employer may provide you the training you need or pay for you to go to relevant conferences.

Career Outlook and Salary Potential for Security Analyst

Security analysis may be an excellent career field to get into. The job outlook in this field is extremely promising, so the time and hard work you put into your degree may well pay off. Through the year 2022, O*Net anticipates a 37% increase in security analyst jobs. This is expected to lead to almost 4,000 new jobs per year during this time period (O*Net, 2012). Job growth may vary between states; for example, New York may see a 21% increase in jobs (O*Net, 2012).
You may earn a fairly lucrative salary as a security analyst in the United States. Across the country, the average salary for a security analyst is $88,590 per year (O*Net, 2013). O*Net reports an average salary of $86,400 per year in Illinois, with the top 10% of earners making more than $135,500 per year. California security analysts claim an average annual salary of $101,000 per year, while in Florida the average salary is $79,600 per year (O*Net, 2013).

Working as a Security Analyst

As a security analyst, you may take on a number of job responsibilities and tasks that help you more effectively serve your company's security and networking needs. On a regular basis, you may assess your company's network security. This may require you to look for sources of potential breaches, test out the security system, and come up with solutions to weak or exposed areas. On a day-to-day basis, you may work with managers, other network personnel, and those who work in security.

Security analysts are becoming an important part of security protocols all over the country. CBS Sacramento reports that this job is growing particularly quickly in California in light of Sony's recent data breach. They note that security analysts must protect against cyber attacks, look for evidence of hacking, and respond to instances in which a security system fails and allows for a data breach.

This could be an exciting and rewarding career if you want to use your computer skills to create a greater sense of safety for consumers and companies. By earning a Bachelor's degree and studying the core concepts of security, you could be ready to enter this field. Get ready by reaching out to schools in your area today. Use our listings to get started!